Volunteer

Transforming the built environment into something greener is no easy task. It takes a lot of talent, collaboration and innovative ideas. Join us!

Volunteer benefits include:

  • Contribute to the USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter’s work to make every building a green building!
  • Earn 1 GBCI Continuing Education hour per hour of volunteer work for up to 50% of total CE hours. Hours must be self reported.
  • Attend exclusive volunteers-only professional development trainings
  • Build relationships with fellow Chapter volunteers
  • Earn recognition through the Above + Beyond Volunteer program

Volunteers are required to maintain current USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter membership. Click here to join or renew.

Chapter Committees

Promoting, collaborating, recruiting, educating…working committees are the lifeblood of the Missouri Gateway Chapter. Visit our Committee page to learn more.

To join a committee, contact the committee chair or Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Fredericka Brandt, (314) 577-0884.

Advocacy Committee

Chair: Laura Vierrether, Jacobs
Meets: 1st Wednesday, 12:00 -1:00 pm at Jacobs.
Activities:

  • Develop the Better Buildings Through Benchmarking Campaign
  • Support local governments to implement sustainability initiatives
  • Support non-profits and community groups green their building operations, maintain partnership with Missouri Interfaith Power & Light and support houses of worship to benchmark their building energy use
  • Manage the Speakers Bureau

Education Committee

Chair: Brandon Verhoff, Caleres
Meets: 1st Tuesday, 5:30 – 7:00 pm at USGBC-Missouri Gateway office
Activities:

  • Establishes the yearly education schedule including monthly evening programs, in-depth seminars, tech talks and the new Continuing Education Blitz

Green Schools Quest (K-12) Committee

Chair: Michael Merritt, Saint Louis Lighting Group
Meets: 4th Wednesday, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at USGBC-Missouri Gateway office.
Activities:

  • Outreach to school districts and mentors
  • Provide Green Schools Presentations
  • Coordinate annual Green Schools Event
  • Manage the Green Schools Quest

Higher Education and Emerging Professionals Committee

Chair: Julie Villa, Ittner Architects
Meets: 3rd Thursday, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, locations vary, check with committee chair for schedule
Activities:

  • Works to engage and welcome current students, recent graduates and young professionals to the Chapter
  • Collaborate with the St. Louis Regional Higher Education Sustainability Consortium
  • Oversee the Green Shadow Mentorship Program
  • Create community-building opportunities for students and Emerging Professionals, such as happy hours and green building tours.
  • Promote the adoption of LEED Certification by area campuses for new construction and substantial renovations

International Living Future Institute (ILFI) – St. Louis Collaborative

Chair: Madeline Smith, Clayco / Lamar Johnson Collavorative
Meets: Meeting dates/times vary. Contact committee chair to get involved.
Activities:

  • The International Living Future Institute is the creator of a number of forward-thinking certifications and initiatives related to the built environment – including the Living Building Challenge, Declare Label, and JUST program.
  • All of these programs are rooted in ILFI’s mission to lead the transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.
  • USGBC-MGC is excited to house the ILFI-St. Louis Region Collaborative.

Membership & Marketing Committee

Chair: Craig Webster, BR+A
Meets: 1st Tuesday, 8:00 – 9:00 am, Forest Park Visitor Center
Activities:

  • Develop and Implement Member Recruitment, Member Retention, and Brand Awareness Strategies
  • Organize Biannual Member Welcome Events
  • Implement Marketing Projects
  • Manage Green Building Experts Program

Community Build

The  Chapter’s Community Build Program contains many projects, all with the goal of making green buildings and green building education accessible to all. There are many ways to participate in our Community Build Program, including:

Click here to learn more about the Community Build Program

Benchmarking Mentor

Support building owners and manager to benchmark their energy use in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, comply with the City of St. Louis’s Building Energy Awareness Ordinance, and pursue energy efficiency improvements.

Interested volunteers should refer to the resources below, then register to volunteer at a Benchmarking Training or contact Chapter staff to be added to the list of interested volunteer.

Benchmarking Resources for Benchmarking Volunteers

Questions? Contact Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Fredericka Brandt, (314) 577-0884.